Haskell property to be reborn as urban park

NEW BEDFORD — A renowned garden and historic property is in line to become a unique urban park and recreational space in a part of the city with none.

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By AUDITI GUHA

southcoasttoday.com

By AUDITI GUHA

Posted Apr. 18, 2013 at 12:01 AM

By AUDITI GUHA

Posted Apr. 18, 2013 at 12:01 AM

» Social News

NEW BEDFORD — A renowned garden and historic property is in line to become a unique urban park and recreational space in a part of the city with none.

A hidden jewel, Haskell Horticulturists has long been a destination for garden enthusiasts, raved about in horticulture magazines and celebrated by luminaries including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Martha Stewart.

Founded in 1953 by the late nurseryman Allen Haskell, the 6-acre garden center with greenhouses, open space and one of the city's oldest houses is in the process of being sold to The Trustees of Reservations, a statewide land trust and conservation organization.

"It's immensely exciting," said John Vasconcellos, southeast regional director of the trustees at a community meeting Wednesday. "This is an unrivaled opportunity for us and the city and the state to demonstrate urban land conservation."

For more than a century, the trustees have been rescuing green space and historic properties statewide to create public reservations. When they heard the Haskell property at 787 Shawmut Ave. was for sale last year, they jumped right in.

Vasconcellos said it is a priority project for the trustees, who hope to close the purchase-and-sale agreement with the Haskell family in June. The group has raised $1.5 million of the $2.5 million required to acquire the land, make some improvements and develop some endowments.

This is the first time the trustees have received so many donations from people who have never before supported a program in New Bedford, he said. "What Allen did there was genius. The community needs to be reminded of the legacy of excellence here."

He identified plans to restore a 1726 house on the property, rebuild Haskell's garden, and incorporate a community garden and space for children to play and learn in. The trustees are looking to partner with private and public entities to do more.

Anne Louro, the city's historical preservation planner, said she is happy with the possibility of historic preservation and creating public open space in the city.

"This will be a superlative addition to the city," said Arthur Motta, the Whaling Museum's communications and marketing head and a member of several historical organizations, who applauded the trustees' work.

It's a significant property and a bonus for the city to be able to save it, said Mayor Jon Mitchell.

"We are very pleased that with the partnership between the trustees, the Patrick administration and the city, this unique property will be preserved," he said.